Girls First Festival
Date: Tuesday August 19, 2025
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Venue: 3rd Floor Boardroom, First Citizens Broad Street Banking Centre, Barbados
Why We’re Doing This
We have reimagined Girls First Barbados for 2025 with one core belief in mind: meaningful impact comes from meaningful connection.
This year’s intimate, half-day format will be a curated experience for girls, to gain insights on individual growth, access quality mentorship, and experience hands-on engagement that leaves a lasting impression.
The First Citizens boardroom will be transformed into The MarkMakers Suite—a space where participants will be required to speak up, step forward, and see themselves as leaders. Guided by First Citizens’ female executives and inspired by real-world challenges, each participant will have the chance to explore their strengths, build confidence, and connect in ways that aren’t possible in a larger event setting.
Because every girl deserves a seat at the table and we’re providing the tools for her to make her mark!
“Girls First is all about creating a safe, empowering, fun space. It provides attendees with knowledge, tools and most importantly, the mindset they’ll need, to go after that thing they envision”
– Karen Darbasie, Founder
Curated Experience: The MarkMakers Suite
Participants will collaborate in team challenges that encourage leadership, confidence, and idea-sharing. This immersive environment is designed to build real-world skills in a fun, supportive space, where each girl will leave inspired to truly make her mark.
What the Girls Can Expect
At Girls First Barbados 2025, selected participants can look forward to an unforgettable half-day experience that’s all about empowerment, connection, and discovery.
A Seat at the Table
Step into The MarkMakers Suite—a reimagined corporate boardroom where your voice matters. This is your space to dream big, speak up, and show what you’re capable of.
Real Conversations with Real Leaders
Engage directly with First Citizens female executives and mentors in a relaxed, supportive environment. Hear their stories, ask questions, and gain insights into leadership, career growth, and overcoming challenges
A Collaborative Team Challenge
Take on a dynamic, apprentice-style challenge built around the theme “Make Your Mark.” You’ll work in teams, pitch ideas, and showcase your creativity and leadership, all while having fun and learning something new.
An Inspiring Keynote Session
Be motivated by Astra Babb, our guest speaker who will share her journey and inspire you to dream boldly, lead with confidence, and believe in your potential
A Sisterhood That Lasts
Connect with girls from diverse backgrounds who, just like you, are ready to grow, lead, and support one another. The bonds you build here could last a lifetime.
Enter the Girls First Barbados “MarkMyWord: The Legacy Challenge” and tell the world how YOU will lead change.
Contest Criteria & Eligibility
Participants must answer:
What mark do you want to make on the world, and how will you start making it today?
Selection Criteria:
- Authenticity (40%) – Are you sharing your real voice and truth?
- Clarity of Vision (20%) – Is your legacy and plan for the future clearly communicated?
- Relevance to Theme (40%) – How well does it tie to Make Your Mark?
Eligibility:
- Must fall within the programme’s target age range (15 to 18 years old)
- Must be a resident of Barbados
Are you ready to Make Your Mark?
Submit your piece and let your voice lead the way.
How to Enter:
New Attendees
- Via Instagram:
- (1) Like the Girls First Barbados Registration Pinned post on @FCGirlsFirst.
- (2) Re-share using the hashtags #FCGirlsFirst #MarkMyWord, and tag @FCGirlsFirst and @FirstCitizensBarbados
- Complete the Girls First Barbados Registration Form
- Upload a short written piece or poem (max 120 words)
Past Attendees
- Complete the Girls First Barbados Registration Form
- Upload a short written piece or poem (max 120 words)
Join the Girls First Community – @FCGirlsFirst
In today’s world, creating a lasting impact goes beyond the boundaries of physical events. To extend the reach of our event, inspire behaviour change, and empower individuals to make a positive difference, we have created an Online Community on Instagram where young women can feel inspired, share their thoughts and stay up-to-date on trending topics.
